Date:29/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042905760400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Draft guidelines for disaster management discussed

Staff Reporter

A manual to be developed for hospitals on their preparedness

Need for development a network stressed

Bangalore: The fifth core group meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority held at the M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Teaching Hospital will generate a document on guidelines for medical preparedness and management of mass casualties during natural and manmade disasters.

S. Kumar, Principal and Dean of the teaching hospital and one of the member of the core group, told presspersons here on Friday that the document would be forwarded to the Prime Minister's office for approval.

Later the guidelines might be used as a basis for setting up State Disaster Management Authorities.

"Most States have a disaster management plan but it is not streamlined. These guidelines will help them have proper system in place so that there is medical preparedness and better handling of emergencies whenever there is a disaster," Dr. Kumar said.

Partnership

"This can happen only through private-public partnership and we are impressing upon the Centre to come to an understanding with private hospitals throughout the country for better management of emergencies," Dr. Kumar said.